Sulfur plays a quiet, essential role in how America feeds itself every day.
It’s a key input in phosphate-based crop nutrients, the products that help American farmers grow much of the nation’s food.
But right now, the global sulfur supply is tightening—or worse.
Over the past several months, the price of sulfur has skyrocketed, from a historical range of roughly $100 to $300 per ton to well over $1,000. The reasons are largely global, including international conflict, disrupted supply chains, and a wave of foreign export restrictions that have all reduced America’s ability to produce the phosphate-based crop nutrients farmers depend on.
China, which exported 4.65 million tonnes of sulfuric acid in 2025, has since sharply curtailed those exports to prioritize its own supply. Russia and others have done the same.
Here’s the most concerning part: the United States produces a meaningful amount of sulfur domestically—enough to meet our country’s needs. Yet much of it is being exported to foreign, state-run competitors who undermine American producers and make our country more dependent on them.
That is leading to higher costs for American companies, farmers, and consumers.
In the long run, it will leave the United States dependent on foreign rivals to grow the food that feeds us all.
The good news is there is a clear fix. American sulfur should not be shipped to predatory, state-run companies overseas. Keeping this domestically produced resource working for our own supply chain will strengthen food security.
Policymakers are more likely to act when they hear from people who understand what’s at stake.
Take two minutes to make your voice heard. Click here to let your lawmakers know that American sulfur should support American production, because food security is national security.
